Alicia Keys has been working on “Hell's Kitchen” for 13 years, so the fact that her musical received 13 Tony Award nominations Tuesday morning felt not only thrilling, but serendipitous. Ta.
In an interview shortly after the nominations were announced, Keyes said he was clearly encouraged by the news. The show, which features her songs and Christopher Diaz's book, is personal to Keys. The show heavily reflects Keys' own upbringing, including her single mother, her desire for independence, her passion for the piano, and even the same subsidized housing development. This is a story about a 17-year-old girl.
These are edited excerpts from the conversation.
Congratulations! What do you think about this?
Wow! I am definitely in a panic of feeling really wonderful and wonderful and grateful. I don't know what's happening to me. I'm a songwriter so I can't really put words together, but it feels incredible. I'm really looking forward to being recognized by everyone.
Have you ever had doubts or were you always confident about this?
I always feel really good about it, and I know we put the work and time into it, and I feel strength and joy about it, but how people receive things You never know. You never know how everything will turn out. And ultimately, you can't create with that in mind. You need to create with your mission in mind.
Does it really burn? palo santo Around the theater?
absolutely! Every gap, every dressing room, every dressing room, the stage itself, the theater, the audience seats. Just generate that good energy.
Is it difficult to watch people act out scenes that recreate painful chapters in your own life?
Painful, thrilling, moving, and honest. When Keshia Lewis sings her “perfect way to die” at the end of the first act, she is powerful and moving every time, no matter how many times I see her. It's painful, but it's also a victory, right?
What is it like to see your songs in a completely different context?
That's the part I find most interesting and most fascinating. It's about how a song can continue to evolve even to its composer. There's something very special about that. When people leave the theater, they say: “I've never heard a song like that before.” I was the same! The way it takes on a life of its own is truly incredible.
I know you want to keep this show going for as long as possible. What are your future challenges?
Yes, that's the goal. I have many dreams and many realizations of reaching a level of longevity like some of the greatest theatrical productions that have ever existed. It's a great honor. So we're going to keep working, keep loving, and keep believing. And you know, the rest is up to God's choice.
